Toward a History of the Experiential Family: Sex and Incest in the Nineteenth-Century Family.

This article discusses various issues related to the state of experiential families in the United States in the nineteenth century, with specific reference to the role of sex in family life. During the period, marriage was regarded as a means which could develop good habits and character. Anger was considered to be illegitimate, and one needed to keep hostile feelings under control. However, sexuality often resulted in tension and conflict in marital relations. The passion for sex was the real terror for the institution of family.